It seems every time I return from Italy I want to watch “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to see if my Italy was as beautiful as the Italy in that movie.

In one of the final scenes of the movie Marge has coffee with Dickie’s Dad at Caffe Florian on San Marco Square in Venice. That spot is still so beautiful (if you can block out the tourists). This young waiter was standing at the cafe and instantly I thought of the movie and how this “type” of young man has probably been working the Cafe Florian for the last 100 years.

That's so funny, I feel the same way about that perfect film, and for the same reasons! I've got great Italian friends, love going there, and when I miss Italy, I rent the Talented Mr. Ripley. It's like an homage to Anthony Minghella's heritage, altho he grew up in England. He was perhaps the greatest filmmaker of his time, and died tragically too soon.

Did you notice, someone named David commented on a recent post that the Man With the Purple Suede Loafers was Dickie Greenleaf. Coincidence? I think not!

Agreed! Please Sart, your observations are gems, share them with us more often!I sat in the Alitalia lounge in LA with Matt Damon waiting for our flight to Rome. He told us he was on his way to work on a film with Minghella. I got goosebumps.

I completely agree! I love that movie! I've never been to Italy but I always dream of living like they did there. The scenery and the clothing in the movie were stunning! whowhatwear did a special thing on that movie's style as well. http://www.thstyleccentric.com

Despite the mildly ill fitting jacket, nearly anything served by this man would taste luxurious. You captured the importance of sartorial details in the dining experience. Your eye and skill in photography is unquestionable. However, your comments help us greater enjoy your images. Please continue to share your written thoughts and experiences with us!

Not only is this look flawless, the photograph is just lovely. In his expression, you capture the wistful and sort of ageless energy of the place. If I was out people watching, I'd probably make up his life story in my head.

Random Florian fact, locals will go to the Florian on special occasions and when they entertain. They will not go to the Caffe Quadri across the Piazza San Marco because it was where the Austrian troops went two hundred years ago! In Venice, these things endure.

The uniformed hierarchies of waiters are one of the great joys of Italy! Wonderful pic!

Lovely. It's always nice to be in a place where details matter. I appreciate your commentary, too. But… aren't you a tourist? It always makes me think there's some insecurity involved when tourists are embarrassed to simply be tourists. Put a bold face on and be proud to have taken the time to be enchanted with places that are not your own, respecting others who do the same.

And yet he is wearing a traditional outfit and a uniform at that! One of the things I LOVE about the Sartorialist is that it seems free of the dogmatic views regarding personal expression, innovation, novelty, shock value ("challenging!"), and uniqueness that dominate the fashion discussion in our times.

Upholding tradition can be as stylish, interesting, and satisfying as subverting it. Hurrah for the Satorialist!

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of the best films made about Italy. Everything detail – the locations, music and of course, fashion – only enhance Italy's undeniable undeniable allure and the darkness which lies just below the surface. Italy itself is really the strongest and most important character in the movie.

On my first trip to Venice with my parents my mother insisted we visit Florian's for a mid-morning cappuccino. Although it was 1988 and I was nine, so I had a glass of milk (which arrived in a silver-handled glass). My Dad took a great photo of two middle-aged Venetian women in floral dresses sitting at another table. If I had it with me I'd send it you.

Talented Mr. Ripley is an aesthetically gorgeous movie in more ways than one ;)

You've probably already seen these movies as well Sart, but I also love the films that came out of Italian Neorealism – Umberto D, and Bicycle Thieves. Perhaps not as pleasing on an aesthetic level as on an emotional level, but great Italian cinema nonetheless.

This reminds me of the more recent picture of the driver dressed for work. The look is professional and immaculate and basically shows attention to detail and pride in work. I like how 'uniforms' can communicate this. It's part of the holiday/trip experience to observe how people in different places go about their everyday lives. It's a beautiful photo of Euro cafe culture from an 'insider's' point of view at its best.